Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin-Kebbi
The Kebbi State Police Command has rescued two under-age boys from their abductors in Niger State.
The victims whose names were given as Ekene Christopher,10, and Chizara Nwori, 11, were rescued at Dadinkowa area, in Kontagora, Niger State. They were rescued after the police had traced a mobile phone number used by the suspects to call victims’ parents to demand N2.5 million ransom from them.
Confirming their rescue, on Wednesday, at a press conference held at the Police Headquarters, Birnin-Kebbi, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim M. Kabiru, disclosed that the suspected kidnappers who are seven in numbers demanded a ransom of N2,500,000 from one of the victims’ parents.
He said: “On the 5 the December, 2017 at about 1100 hrs,one Christopher Nnagbo of new prison area,Birnin-Kebbi reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Birnin-Kebbi that his son Ekene Christopher aged, 10 years has been missing on his way home from Anglican Church,Birnin-Kebbi since the 3rd November, 2017.
“On the 5th December, 2017, a hidden number called the victim’s mother, Mrs. Angella Christopher with a view to negotiate for ransom and demanded for N2,500,000 before the child be released.
“On receipt of the report,police swung into action. The principle suspect,Chibuka Njoko was arrested and the victim,Ekenne Christopher, 10 years old and Chizara Nwori aged 11 years old were rescued unhurt at Dadinkowa area,Kontagora,Niger state. No ransom paid”.
The Police Commissioner said that seven suspects including Emmanuel Nwanko, Chibuzo Nwori, Sunday Oche, Mohammed Suleiman, Taiye Olenju, Obinna Ogu and Sera Ibrahim were arrested at the bidding by investigative officers.
One of the victim’s father, Mr. Christopher Nnagbo, who commended the efforts of the police officers, confirmed that he did not paid any ransom.
Speaking with Daily Sun, the principal suspect, Chibuka Njoko, admitted that he committed the crime because he needed money to settle a debt.